National American Indian Heritage Month, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

During American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich
cultural traditions and proud ancestry of American Indians and Alaska
Natives, and we recognize the vital contributions these groups have
made to the strength and diversity of our society.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have played a central role in
our history. In 1805 and 1806, Sakajawea, a Shoshone Indian woman,
helped guide Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition to explore
the uncharted West. This remarkable journey, known as the "Voyage of
Discovery," would not have been possible without her efforts, and today
she remains a proud symbol of American Indian courage and strength.

We are also grateful to the Navajo Codetalkers for their service
during World War II. Participating in every assault the U.S. Marines
conducted in the Pacific from 1942-1945, the Navajo Codetalkers relayed
secret messages that helped our Nation and the allies secure victory.
The Congress recognized these heroes by authorizing the President to
award them Congressional Gold Medals, which I was honored to present
last year. These examples of our true American spirit reflect our
shared history and serve as reminders of the unique heritage of
American Indians and Alaska Natives. Upon its completion on the
National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the
American Indian will help educate all Americans about the lives,
contributions, and culture of our Native peoples.

Education is essential to the future success of tribal
communities. We will work together to ensure that our Indian education
programs offer high-quality instruction and job training that
contribute to the vitality of our Native American communities. We will
also work to maintain the legacy of American Indians and Alaska Natives
by preserving irreplaceable languages and cultural traditions.

To enhance our efforts to help Indian nations be self-governing,
self-supporting, and self-reliant, my Administration will continue to
honor tribal sovereignty by working on a government-to-government basis
with American Indians and Alaska Natives. We will honor the rights of
Indian tribes and work to protect and enhance tribal resources.

My Administration is working to increase employment and expand
economic opportunities for all Native Americans. Several Federal
agencies recently participated in the National Summit on Emerging
Tribal Economies to help us accomplish this goal. In order to build
upon this effort, my Administration will work to promote cooperation
and coordination among Federal agencies for the purpose of fostering
greater economic development of
tribal communities. By working together on important economic
initiatives, we will strengthen America by building a future of hope
and promise for all Native Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2002 as
National American Indian Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.